Chapter 7 Flackley Ash to Rye

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HighWeald
Weald Landscape
Landscape Trail
High
Trail
4
Interesting feature
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© Crown Copyright and database right 2011. Ordnance Survey
100019238
Chapter 7: Flackley Ash to Rye; 7.1
A Landscape of Rivers and Marsh
As you descend from the ridge of
higher ground around Peasmarsh,
the wide flat valley of the River
Tillingham stretches ahead. The
peaceful atmosphere envelops you
as you pass through old orchards
with sheep placidly grazing beneath
and along the wide curving river.
Rye - the final goal on your walk can be seen perched on the hilltop
ahead, its windmill standing out as a
clear landmark.
138. Church of St Peter and Paul
This simple church stands isolated
on the hillside. It is possible that an
early settlement around the church
was wiped out by the Black Death
and the present village developed
away from the church, alongside the
main road below.
139. Peasmarsh Place
This fine Georgian house with
its own path to the church was
originally built as the rectory. It was
once owned by the Liddell family
whose daughter Alice was the
inspiration for “Alice in Wonderland”.
140. Riverside walking
A very tranquil scene, particularly
on a still winter’s evening at the
end of a long walk - the sky tinged
with pink as the sun begins to set,
silent save the occasional honking
of geese and the slow movements
of the grazing sheep and cattle.
Overhead, the herons fly slowly but
purposefully towards the heronry
in trees on the nearby hillside, and
the whistling sound from the heavy
wingbeats of a swan, bound for the
water’s edge, can be heard.
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High Weald Landscape Trail
4
Interesting feature
Also use Ordnance Survey Map: Explorer 125
Section 7, Map 1, Flackley Ash to Rye
www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent
7.2
141. Rye
Rye itself is a fascinating old town
- a wonderful jumble of close-built
houses on narrow cobbled streets,
clustered around the old church
on top of the hill. Wander around
its cobbled streets, soaking up the
atmosphere and perhaps linger
in the numerous ancient inns and
tearooms.
142. Ypres Tower
Ypres Tower was built in 1250 by
order of Henry III, to protect the
town from French invaders. You can
see how well positioned it was, with
its commanding view of the estuary,
from the Gun Garden below.
143. Walls
Following the burning of the
town by the French in 1377, the
townspeople petitioned Richard II
to have the walls repaired as they
were being washed away and the
town was “open to enemies”. Sturdy
stone walls were built to protect
the exposed northern approach to
the town; the south, east and west
were naturally protected by the
steep cliffs. Most of the walls were
destroyed by sea erosion but you
can still walk through Land Gate,
which still remains as the northern
entrance to the town.
144. Church of St Mary
This large and beautiful church
reflects the town’s earlier
importance. Dating from 1150,
it was seriously damaged in 1377
when Rye was burnt down by the
French. The bells and many other
items were looted to France Winchelsea and Rye men later sailed
to France and recovered them. Its
tall tower has been used as a beacon
for shipping for centuries. From the
top of Lion Street you can watch the
two fat cherubs, known as quarter
boys, ringing the quarter hours on
the old turret clock.
145. Lamb House
This elegant brick town house was
built for James Lamb, the Mayor, in
1723. You can see many features,
such as its chequered brickwork
and elaborate parapet surmounted
with stone vases, that made it highly
fashionable when it was built,
reflecting the wealth and standing
of its owner. It became famous later
as the home of writers Henry James,
at the turn of the 20th century, and
more recently, E F Benson.
146. Old Flushing Inn
The cellars of the 16th century inn
are reputed to have been used for
storing smuggled goods. Breads,
the butcher who killed Allen Grebell
in mistake for his brother in law,
Lamb, the Mayor, lived here and
ran his business from the yard at
the back. Legend has it that he was
taken in for a last drink on his way to
execution in 1743.
147. Mermaid Inn
This stunning black and white
building was built in 1420 to replace
the original medieval inn which had
been destroyed by the French. It still
looks much the same as it did when
it was the principal inn in Tudor Rye.
148. Strand Quay
Alongside here was the harbour,
over 61 metres (200 feet) deep with
anchorage for over 200 ships in
the 14th century. The tall weatherboarded warehouses were built
along the quayside in the 19th
century at the peak of Rye’s trading
success. They now house antique
shops and cafes but imagine it in its
maritime heyday. The informative
sound and light show on the town’s
history in the Tourist Information
Centre may help to set the scene.
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Section 7, Map 2, Flackley Ash to Rye
Make the most of your journey
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about accommodation and attractions near the trail.
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Complete the online form at:
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